When to Start the Birth Control Pill

Dear Ask The Doctor: I recently had protected sex but the condom broke so I took the morning after pill yesterday. However, I would like to return back on the the normal pill I used to be on a few months back. I was wondering how long i had to leave it before i could re take the pill and if it mattered if i didnt re take it the sunday after my period, but as soon as possible.

Dear Jill: Hello, I understand your concern about oral contraceptives. It would be better for you to take your first pill on the first day of your period or on the first Sunday after your period begins.

The reason for this is because it would increase the effectiveness of the pill and most importantly it would decrease the chances for breakthrough bleeding if you have already started your new cycle.

Certainly it is very important as well to make sure that you are not pregnant before starting your oral contraceptives, one more reason to wait for your next menses to occur. I wish you the best.